Tesla Inc. is expected to remove onboard safety operators from its Robotaxi operations in Austin, Texas, by the end of the year. This move is part of the company’s larger plan to expand its driverless service to multiple locations in the US.
Tesla’s Cautious Approach to Robotaxi Deployment
Safety First
CEO Elon Musk has stated that the company is being “very cautious” with the deployment of the Robotaxi, citing the potential consequences of even a single accident. Musk believes that a cautious approach is necessary to avoid negative publicity and ensure the success of the program.
Expansion Plans for Robotaxi Operations
Multiple Locations in the US
Musk has outlined plans to expand Robotaxi operations to around 8-10 metro areas in the US by the end of the year, pending regulatory approvals. The company expects to operate in Nevada, Florida, and Arizona, in addition to its existing operations in Austin and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Key Statistics
Mileage and Customer Engagement
- The Robotaxi has covered over 250 million miles in Austin and over 1 million miles in the San Francisco Bay Area.
- On the customer side, Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology has been used for a total of 6 billion miles.
Comparison to Previous Goals
Revised Targets
Tesla’s current expansion plans are significantly less ambitious than Musk’s previous comments, which targeted serving over 50% of the US population with the Robotaxi by the end of 2025.
Additional Developments
Criticism of Proxy Advisory Firms
Musk has criticized proxy advisory firms International Shareholder Services (ISS) and Glass Lewis for opposing his $1 trillion CEO pay packet, calling them “corporate terrorists.” Tesla’s Board of Directors Chair Robyn Denholm has urged investors to vote in favor of the pay package, criticizing the advisory firms’ “misguided” and “one-size-fits-all” approach.
Conclusion
Future of Driverless Technology
Tesla’s plans to launch its Robotaxi service in Austin by the end of the year mark an important step forward in the development of driverless technology. As the company continues to expand its operations and improve its technology, we can expect to see significant advancements in the field of autonomous vehicles.